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The life of 'Mr. Hockey' Gordie Howe: A timeline

A look back at the career of the late legend

Gordie Howe, recognized as the greatest NHL player who ever lived, died Friday. Howe, affectionately known around the world as "Mr. Hockey," was 88.

Here is a look back at his life and illustrious career:

March 31, 1928 -- Howe is born in Floral, Saskatchewan.

1943 -- Howe is offered a tryout with the New York Rangers. He is 15 years old.

1944 -- Howe receives a tryout with the Detroit Red Wings and is signed to a contract by coach/general manager Jack Adams.

1945 -- After being signed by the Red Wings, Howe joins the Omaha Knights of the United States Hockey League. In his only season there, the 17-year-old has 22 goals and 26 assists in 51 games.

Oct. 16, 1946 -- Howe plays his first NHL game. He had seven goals and 15 assists in 58 games in the 1946-47 season.

1947-48 -- Howe switches from No. 17 to the iconic No. 9 he wore for remainder of his career.

March 28, 1950 -- Howe sustains a career-threatening injury during a Stanley Cup Playoff game when he collides with Ted Kennedy of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The force causes a fractured skull, a concussion, and a broken cheekbone and nose. The injuries left Howe in critical condition for several days.

April 23, 1950 -- An injured Howe wins the Stanley Cup for the first of four times when the Red Wings defeat the Rangers in seven games.

1950-51 -- Howe returns the following season and leads the NHL in goals (43), assists (43) and points (86) in 70 games.

April 10, 1952 -- Howe scores two goals in a 3-1 Stanley Cup Final victory against the Montreal Canadiens.

April 15, 1952 -- Howe wins the Stanley Cup for a second time in a four-game sweep of the Canadiens. Howe was awarded the Hart Trophy as League MVP for the first of four times later that spring.

1953 -- Howe marries his girlfriend of two years, Colleen Joffa.

April 16, 1954 -- Howe wins the Stanley Cup for a third time in five years, helping the Red Wings to a seven-game victory against the Canadiens.

April 14, 1955 -- Howe wins the Stanley Cup for a fourth time in six years, and the final one of his career, when Detroit defeats Montreal in seven games.